Raiders vs. Seahawks Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 1 Odds, Prediction
Thursday’s matchup between the Raiders and Seahawks marks the 2025 debut for both franchises. While it’s still preseason, this matchup comes with plenty of intrigue: new Raiders quarterback Geno Smith returns to Seattle, where he started from 2022 to 2024, and former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll makes his coaching debut for Las Vegas.
These two teams share an extensive history both in preseason and regular-season play. The Seahawks lead the preseason series 13-6, while the Raiders hold the all-time regular-season edge 30-26. With young rosters, recent trades and coaching changes, Thursday night’s contest is a first look at how both sides are reshaping their identity ahead of the regular season.
Las Vegas is a 4.5-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with the total pegged at 36.5
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Bettors should note that both teams are unlikely to play starters, making quarterback depth and coaching tendencies key factors for handicapping.
Seattle has a long-standing trend of resting key players in the preseason under Pete Carroll, and it appears Mike Macdonald will continue that in 2025.
Still, both backup quarterbacks, Drew Lock and Aidan O’Connell, have starting experience and could make this game livelier than most preseason openers.
With offensive depth on both sides, the over 36.5 presents value.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders enter 2025 with big changes: new head coach Pete Carroll and newly acquired QB Geno Smith, both formerly of the Seahawks. While Smith won’t play Thursday, backup Aidan O’Connell is expected to get plenty of reps and brings valuable NFL starting experience from the last two seasons. Las Vegas’ revamped backfield behind No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty features veteran Raheem Mostert, Zamir White and Sincere McCormick, all of whom should get touches. Rookie WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. is expected to see action as well, while TE Michael Mayer could be a prime target.
Defensively, there are question marks. DT Christian Wilkins was released after an injury-riddled and rocky 2024, and while the team just traded for Thomas Booker from Philadelphia, cohesion in the defensive front remains in flux. CB Lonnie Johnson Jr. is doubtful, further weakening the secondary. The Raiders are still sorting out their defensive identity, and Thursday night’s game could highlight those uncertainties.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks also debut a new-look squad this season. With Sam Darnold locked in as the starting QB after a breakout 2024 in Minnesota, fans will not see him Thursday. Instead, expect a healthy dose of Drew Lock and rookie Jalen Milroe. Lock has the arm and experience to thrive in preseason matchups, especially against second-string defenses.
Though DK Metcalf was traded to the Steelers, Seattle’s WR room remains deep. While stars like Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t suit up, expect Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Bobo and potentially rookie Tory Horton to see the field. On the ground, look for a heavy workload for Damien Martinez.
Defensively, safety AJ Finley is on IR, and injuries linger across the roster. But the Seahawks’ deep rotation on both sides of the ball, combined with home-field advantage and a competitive QB in Lock, makes them a dangerous underdog in this spot.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Raiders vs. Seahawks?
This game will likely come down to quarterback play, and both backups, Drew Lock and Aidan O’Connell, have a track record of performing in meaningful spots. That’s a rare luxury in the preseason. Add in Seattle’s depth at wide receiver and running back, and the Seahawks are well-equipped to respond even if the Raiders strike early. Both teams will rest starters, but Seattle’s offensive reserves have higher upside.
Expect this to be one of the higher-scoring games of the week, and don’t be surprised if big plays define the outcome. With more to prove at home, and Lock eager to showcase his value, the Seahawks are the better bet and my score prediction is 23-20 in Seattle’s favor, making the over my best bet.
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